Openings

Tidbits for Travelers: New link to SEA and new dining and discounts at MSP

Great news for travelers heading to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) this holiday season:  The Airport Station of Sound Transit’s Link light rail system  between downtown and the airport will open at 10 a.m. on December 19, 2009.

SEA LIGHT RAIL

That means that instead of getting shuttled by bus between the airport and a light rail stop a mile or so away, passengers can now hop on and off the light rail right at the airport.

Well…not right at the airport: the airport station is in the airport garage and passengers must walk about a quarter mile to the terminal.  But at $2.75 from downtown vs. a $25 or $30 cab ride, it’s a great deal.  So travelers will probably be skipping along that walkway and not even notice the distance.

SANTA fruit label

Also, just in time for holiday travel, there are two new food offerings in the Lindbergh Terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). There’s now an Arby’s in the main food court and, more impressive, on Concourse F there’s a spinoff of Ike’s Food & Cocktails, a downtown Minneapolis favorite that’s already a hit in airport with a white-tablecloth branch in the airport mall.

Even better: MSP’s Jingle, Jingle Savings Days Coupon Book has discounts for these new spots and dozens of other shops and restaurants throughout the airport. Get a copy here.

New terminal at Key West International Airport

Wednesday (Feb 25, 2009) was opening day for the new terminal at Key West International Airport (EYW), which is on Florida’s southernmost Key and just 90 miles from Cuba.

key-west-artist

The new terminal has second-level ticketing, a departure lounge, retail concessions, and a restaurant and tavern.  The old 1957 terminal won’t be torn down, just renovated and updated.

I haven’t toured the new terminal yet, but did have the pleasure of visiting the old one a while back and learning about the airport’s colorful history.

keywesthistory2a

During WWII, the Key West airstrip, which was known as Meacham Field, served as a dirigible base.  It became Key West International Airport after the war and for many years there were only two scheduled flights a day.

Still, the airport restaurant was a popular destination. Perhaps that’s because during the1960’s and 70’s the lounge featured a topless all-female band and the bar stayed open 24 hours a day.

An intriguing attraction right across from the  airport museum is the Fort East Martello Museum, which is home to a wide variety of intriguing historical items, including Robert the Haunted Doll, a straw-filled toy that many believe to be the embodiment of evil.

robert

Sick at the airport? New medical clinic at PHL

If you travel a lot, you’re bound to get sick. And if you’re sick while you’re traveling, then it’s a good chance you’ll be feeling ill while you’re at an airport.

Good thing, then, that drop-in medical clinics are popping up at more and more airports.  The newest one opened recently at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

PHL’s AeroClinic is in the A/B Link.  The clinic offers minor ill-care and well-care treatment and is staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who see patients in 15-minute increments, on a first-come, first-served basis.  Fees typically range from $25 – $100, depending on the service provided. Most major insurance plans are accepted.  There’s also an Aeroclinic at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

aeroclinic

Free wireless Internet access at new Indy airport

The new Indianapolis International Airport (IND) opened earlier this week, complete with a new terminal building, new parking facilities, new interstate access via I-70, new air traffic control tower, and $4 worth of original artwork.


In addition to lots of new shopping and dining opportunities, the airport is also offering travelers free wireless Internet access. Hooray!!!

The terminal building is named in honor of World War I flying ace Col. Harvey Weir Cook, and soon there’ll be a permanent display honoring the Hoosier hero in the Baggage Claim area near the south garden. The display will feature personal memorabilia and other items, including Cook’s goggles, medals, letters, pilot licenses, photos, antique model planes, and more.

Terminal 2 at RDU now open for business

Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s new Terminal 2 has officially opened for business.

The terminal’s art and architecture reflects North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region and includes 26 restaurants and shops, including 2nd Edition Book Sellers, änders Natural Soap Co., 42nd St. Oyster Bar, Carolina Ale House and Brookwood Farms BBQ, and Taste! A Southern Season.

Here’s a link to more information about RDU’s new Terminal 2, including details about artwork such as  Lydia Rubio’s aluminum and steel ‘tree,’ titled Gate of Earth, that begins outside and appears to be growing into the terminal.



“The artwork considers feelings associated with leaving or returning home or traveling into the world. Traditional North Carolina symbols – trees and birds – are combined with the words of North Carolina writer Thomas Wolfe.

Can’t wait to see it!